Where I’ve been.

by gbsmith4

It hasn’t been lost on me that my WordPress postings have become a bit erratic. I seem to go through a period of nice consistency, and then completely lose interest. Although, “losing interest” isn’t quite right. More like I feel I don’t have anything to add.

(Sidebar: I’m wondering if Twitter’s popularity will also hasten its demise. By that, I mean you see everyone posting this and that, and it’s hard not to feel… irrelevant. And once you feel irrelevant, you start to tune out. Just a thought.)

Anyway, let’s see: as I posted a few weeks ago, I’m really getting into this tennis thing. Nancy and I have been rallying everyday, but we’ve gone one step further by acquiring a ball machine. They’re pricey, but I can tell you, our games have taken a parabolic step forward. Just the ability to return hundreds of balls coming at 70mph with topspin is a godsend if you want to improve. (“return” is generous. Maybe “attempting to return.”)

Naturally, I’m now thinking of entering a tournament just to see how I fare. I did watch the 60+ National Hardcourt championships on youtube recently, and the talent didn’t look all that fierce. The guys were deadly accurate, of course, but I didn’t see any athleticism I didn’t think I could handle.

Of course, watching via video and seeing it real-time are two different things. I saw Lendl/McEnroe courtside in their prime and couldn’t believe how hard they hit it: much different than on TV.

So, I’m going to go watch the local Mid-Atlantic Masters championships in a month or so in Virginia to see how the old farts play. I’m also going to hit with a ranked 45+ friend of mine in a few weeks. I really want him to go all out to see where I stand.

Other than that, not much new. I’m still cycling with my latest adventure being to drive all the way to upstate NJ for a race, pre-ride the course, only to bag it before the race even started.

But, more on that later.

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8 Comments to “Where I’ve been.”

If you tire of tennis and biking, we’re ready for more juicer recipes. Or, opine on what CNBC can do to reverse plunging viewership. And out of curiosity, does anyone in your neighborhood mow their own grass? I’ve never understood why wealthy people pay a fortune to have someone mow their yards, and then they go off to the gym for an hour every day. Common thread to this randomness? Maybe. If you’re bored today Gary, drink some juice, mow your grass, and watch CNBC. :–)

Gary, all the best w/tennis. It’s a great sport for a lifetme for, uh, “experienced” athletes who love the exhilaration of competition. You should see the national 60s, 70s, even 80s-90s brackets…some high level play out there. One comparison that I’m sure you’ve made…remember when you took up cycling…how much there was to learn about competing at the equivalent of a USTA tennis tournament. Equipment (e.g., it’s about the strings, not the racquet), match physical and mental toughness, tactics…just scratching the surface of what the competition has been honing for years. I’m 54…I got serious about competitivene tennis 15 years ago. It has been a great ride. Enjoy!

Thanks, Dennis. Agree on all. One slight advantage I have with tennis, that I never had with cycling is that I’ve played a ton of competitive squash and racquetball in the past. So, while I still have a ton to learn about specific match tactics, at least I have the racquets background. Of course, the technology is very different now than when I last played tennis, so I’m very early on the learning curve. But, as you say, something to enjoy for the next 50 years. (along with Nancy, which is a bonus). Best, Gary